Circulating mitochondrial DNA

Circulating mitochondrial DNA, also called cell-free circulating mitochondrial DNA and circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf mtDNA), are short sections of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) that are released by cells undergoing stress or other damaging or pathological events. Circulating mitochondrial DNA is recognized by the immune system and activates inflammatory reactions. It is also a biomarker that can be used to detect the degree of damage from myocardial infarctions, cancers and ordinary stress. In certain situations it acts as a hormone.[1]

Plasma or serum levels of ccf mtDNA have been seen to be of marked difference in people with cancer. These higher levels have shown to be a reliable non-invasive biomarker in the diagnosis and prognosis of many kinds of tumours.[2]

See also

Circulating tumor DNA

References

  1. ↑ Sheikh, Knvul (13 September 2018). "Brain's Dumped DNA May Lead to Stress, Depression". Scientific American. Retrieved 20 September 2018.
  2. ↑ Yu, M (October 2012). "Circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA as a novel cancer biomarker: opportunities and challenges". Mitochondrial DNA. 23 (5): 329–32. doi:10.3109/19401736.2012.696625. PMID 22775429.
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